Partaking in any discussion of the Bible can be a bit tricky. This is based primarily on the direction styles of the leaders of said studies or of any group discussion that honors the greatness of Christ. Some approaches mirror those of the segment, Christian faith institutions adhere to. While some responses may be repetitive of other Christian leaders, who one could consider famous! Indeed, looking in, and assuming one approach is better than the other can be common thought. Yet, a level of caution must be implemented here, in the sense that this ideology can halt one’s approach to really understanding the deeper meanings applied to human behavior and its alignment to God’s words.
Much has been written about the inner characteristic leaders should hold. Comportment most associated with integrity, honesty, and truth are highly regarded in secular forms of leadership. For example, seminal and germinal research studies continue to tackle leadership from this vein-is it inborn or developed? In its continuance, a topic a consultancy like this one can find quite tedious. Safely speaking, when the threshold of Christ in leadership is introduced, whether one is born a leader or developed into one, often meshes to create spiritual identity as a leader and follower of Christ. Born again, alive again, to work and lead in Christ and by Christ. This should be the only continuing process in Christian leadership. Point blank!
Bible studies and church gatherings not only should serve as teaching and learning mechanisms, they should likewise be resemblance of mentor-ship. Allowing these constructs in, must come with an open-hearted willingness to listen to the perspective of others who may not study the Bible in the accompaniment of worship music, but more so, those who may spend weeks developing the translation of one verse, with eagerness to share its meaning.
Christian leadership development does not stop with the title pastor, reverend, minister or the like. We know this! But at times, yea we forget this. As leaders in the church Christ left us, viewing your church’s domain and knowledge within this domain from the lens of a subjective approach may augment the here and the now, but never will it enhance the Christlike mind. Subjectivity in this stance applies to reasoning and interpretation of these environs and how one develops as a Christian leader. For instance, do you view the Bible translations and interpretations of a fellow (congregant) as far-fetched, untrue based on what you don’t know or grounded in pride? If so, what is the avenue you take to constantly place you there and why do you continue to follow this path? Because its comfortable?
In a research study on secular leadership Day and Harrison (2007) maintained that if leadership growth is to be operative, the most important aspect of this development should be to understand sense of identity. Identity, the researchers shared, provides profound foundations of meaning filtered into everyday approaches. Other researchers acknowledged that “Self-awareness is not a destination point, but rather an emerging process where one continually comes to understand his or her unique talents, strengths, sense of purpose, core values, beliefs and desires. It can include having a basic and fundamental awareness of one’s knowledge, experience, and capabilities” (Avolio & Gardner, 2005, p. 324).
Christian leaders-questions to discern here:
- What unique talent(s) do I hold that corroborates with spiritual wealth aligned to the Christ-mind?
- What about Christian resilience? Do I truly understand that I am indeed a child of God, His spiritual being who will most likely face hardships? How can I use these adversities to lead or mentor others? How can I listen with an open mind, a Christlike mind? How in listening to God, can I develop on the meek strengths within me?
- What is exactly my purpose in leadership?
- Do I uphold my own core values outside the walls of my church?
- Do I believe that even though I am in Christian leadership, that all children of God who follow the teachings of Christ, are also leaders and ministers in His eyes? Am I willing to listen to their interpretations of His words?
- What do I desire for my church or ministry? Does it associate with the core teachings of Christ as I move attendees to the only Christlike mind?
Jesus knows the hidden wholeness of everyone. It is a vital component of discipleship development. Seek cues from Jesus on the best way to allow the beautiful incubated wholeness of others to be born. Allow them the opportunity of birth in Christ beyond baptism. To share His good news from their perspective. Translate them into a Biblical learning systems, which allows everyone to go deeper and wider into God’s words.
Existence in this world is sketchy at times. However, collaborative thought of what a Christlike mind could look can be a welcoming and life-long adventure inclusive of everyone!
Leaders, (a) be humble, (b) follow the will of Our Father, (c) your only level of greatness should be to serve Our Lord, (d) sitting on a high pedestal will keep you from serving and listening to the needy, (e) share the responsibility of you, (f) listen to others, and (g) remember the team of the church is the body of the church. A participatory leadership approach could help to deliver your message to the world.
Thrive leaders!
Rev. Charlotte
References:
Avolio, B., & Gardner, W. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315–338.
Day, D., & Harrison, M. (2007). A multilevel, identity-based approach to leadership development. Human Resource Management Review, 17, 360-373.
